نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

عنوان مقاله [English]

Evaluation and ranking of factors affecting the quality of education in elementary schools using the school-centered management method from the perspective of elementary school principals in Urmia city in the academic year 2023-2024

نویسندگان [English]

Hossein Karimi: PhD Student in Educational Management, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch.

Javad Keyhan*: Associate Professor in Educational Management, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch.

Detailed Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this research was to evaluate and rank the factors affecting the quality of education in primary schools through the school-based management approach, as perceived by primary school principals in Urmia County during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Materials and methods: This applied research utilized a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, a snowball sampling technique was used to select 12 primary school principals from Urmia, with whom semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed through content analysis to identify the challenges and barriers in the selection and appointment of principals in public schools in West Azerbaijan province. In the quantitative phase, using a questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings and employing hierarchical analysis, 46 primary school principals were asked to prioritize the identified barriers.

Results and discussion: This study aimed to evaluate and rank the factors influencing the quality of education in elementary schools through a school-based management approach from the perspective of school principals in the city of Urmia during the 2023-2024 academic year. The results show that, from the perspective of school principals, the most influential factor on educational quality is the role and performance of the principals themselves. School principals play a vital role in improving educational quality, and school-based management, as a comprehensive and overarching approach, is implemented by them to enhance educational processes and create a positive and enjoyable environment for both students and teachers. In this regard, principals must be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their school, define educational goals, and develop optimal strategies to improve the academic achievement of students. Another key responsibility of principals is to recognize the strengths of teachers and implement educational programs to enhance their teaching skills. Moreover, principals should foster student motivation to actively engage in the learning process and pay attention to improving school infrastructure and resources. Another important factor affecting educational quality is the school’s organizational structure, which must be designed and implemented in such a way that roles and responsibilities of all members are clearly defined and relationships among them are appropriately structured. This structure should be flexible enough to adapt to changes in the educational environment and emerging needs. Additionally, teacher training is a key element in improving educational quality. Teachers with strong teaching skills and high motivation can play a significant role in enhancing students’ academic performance. Also, providing appropriate resources and equipment, such as modern technology and well-equipped libraries, and fostering active collaboration with parents and the community can greatly contribute to improving the educational quality and learning process.

The overall findings of this study emphasize the importance of strengthening the role and performance of school principals, improving the organizational structure, enhancing teacher training, ensuring resource availability, and establishing effective communication with parents and the community. Based on these results, it is recommended that special attention be paid to these factors and their prioritization for the successful implementation of school-based management and the enhancement of educational quality in elementary schools.

The findings indicate that the factors affecting the quality of education in primary schools through the school-based management approach, as perceived by primary school principals, are categorized into five main themes, which include 25 sub-themes. The main themes, ranked according to hierarchical analysis, are: teacher education and training, educational resources and equipment, the role and performance of principals, external or organizational factors, and organizational structure. By considering the priority and importance of each of these factors, the quality of education in primary schools can be improved.

Conclusion: The overall conclusion of the research showed that by considering the priority and significance of each of these factors affecting the quality of education in primary schools through the school-based management approach, as perceived by school principals, the quality of education in primary schools can be enhanced.

Keywords: Education Quality, School-Based Management, School Principals, Primary Schools.